April Yan
Senior Class President
2022-2023
2022-2023
Page 1 - Initial Letter
This year makes me want to barf, respectfully. Of course I’m excited, because there are so many things to look forward to, and a new position to occupy, but I feel like it’s going to be very draining on top of everything else happening. College especially seems daunting, because while I can’t wait to start that chapter of my life, the college I go to will determine a lot of things about my future. It’s scary to think that in just a year’s time, I’ll be out in the world, learning about it for myself. I feel like this year came too fast, and that’s why I made my phrase for the year YOLO. I anticipate the rest of the year will continue to fly by, and I’ll be out of here before I know it. Because of that, I’m going to try and be as low stress about it as possible. Can’t change the past or predict the future, so might as well live up the present. I’m glad we got to go to Core Camp this summer, because I think it helped us secure our bonds as a class, and helped me individually step into my role. There’s going to be a steep learning curve for me with balancing my people pleasing and presidency, but I’m at the point where I feel better about telling people to shut it. Respectfully, of course. Going off of that, I can’t wait to see how this year’s class gets along with each other, and how long it takes us to bite each others’ heads off. It’s inevitable, but I’m curious to see how we’ll handle it. I’m really excited to plan senior events despite knowing my class will get on my nerves with all their complaints and lovely, outlandish suggestions. It’s our last year of high school, and we should make it count. Giving my class a good last year of high school is what I’m probably looking forward to the most about this program, despite the train wreck it’ll be getting there. I know I’ll be crying a lot this year, with farewells and leaving people behind, but I’m just going to live it up.
Page 2 - Favorite Quotes
“Honesty is the best policy.” - Unknown
It’s very clear and to the point, but I think this quote is powerful. It’s also something that I try my best to live by, because I think it’s an important value to maintain in life. Not only is it simpler to keep track of the truth, but it’s also lighter on your soul if you don’t make a habit out of lying. It’s important to be genuine about who you are and what you believe in, because it ensures you won’t lose sight of those morals and values.
"Don’t trust everything you see. Even salt looks like sugar.” - Unknown
While honesty is the best policy, that doesn’t mean that everyone is honest. Some people will not be forthcoming about who they are, and it’s important not to trust blindly. It would be naïve to assume that everyone is authentic, and that was a steep learning curve for me. I was always very trusting as a child, and even consider myself to be presently. While I’m still a trusting person, time has made me grow up and become a little more jaded when it comes to my perception of people. I think it’s healthy to be a little skeptical, just in case, because ultimately the only person you could know fully is yourself.
“It’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.” - Alfred Tennyson
This was a quote that inspired me from the moment I heard it. I do think it's important to remember that this doesn't always have to be about romantic love, though. It can be familial or platonic too. Regardless, I find it admirable and courageous put yourself in any position that threatens the loss of love, and it encourages me to wear my heart on my sleeve. While I already consider myself an open book, that's part of the reason why I'm a fan of living with my full heart. I think there's always some degree of validity in your feelings, and to not honor or recognize how you feel would be such a shame, because you feel the way you do for a reason. Finding the courage to stand by those feelings is a whole different story, but I think it's better than facing regret. I'm personally scared of not living my life to the fullest, so I do my best to give my feelings at least a little consideration.
It’s very clear and to the point, but I think this quote is powerful. It’s also something that I try my best to live by, because I think it’s an important value to maintain in life. Not only is it simpler to keep track of the truth, but it’s also lighter on your soul if you don’t make a habit out of lying. It’s important to be genuine about who you are and what you believe in, because it ensures you won’t lose sight of those morals and values.
"Don’t trust everything you see. Even salt looks like sugar.” - Unknown
While honesty is the best policy, that doesn’t mean that everyone is honest. Some people will not be forthcoming about who they are, and it’s important not to trust blindly. It would be naïve to assume that everyone is authentic, and that was a steep learning curve for me. I was always very trusting as a child, and even consider myself to be presently. While I’m still a trusting person, time has made me grow up and become a little more jaded when it comes to my perception of people. I think it’s healthy to be a little skeptical, just in case, because ultimately the only person you could know fully is yourself.
“It’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.” - Alfred Tennyson
This was a quote that inspired me from the moment I heard it. I do think it's important to remember that this doesn't always have to be about romantic love, though. It can be familial or platonic too. Regardless, I find it admirable and courageous put yourself in any position that threatens the loss of love, and it encourages me to wear my heart on my sleeve. While I already consider myself an open book, that's part of the reason why I'm a fan of living with my full heart. I think there's always some degree of validity in your feelings, and to not honor or recognize how you feel would be such a shame, because you feel the way you do for a reason. Finding the courage to stand by those feelings is a whole different story, but I think it's better than facing regret. I'm personally scared of not living my life to the fullest, so I do my best to give my feelings at least a little consideration.
Page 3 - Quote for the Year
“Confidence is preparation. Everything else is beyond your control.” - Richard Kline
To me, this quote embodies how my senior year has gone. Being class president added initial stress I wasn’t sure I could handle, but over time I learned how to balance it with everything else in my life. I grew in confidence as I realized I could only control my own actions, and not the reactions of others. I knew what standards I held myself to, and so I did everything I could to make myself proud, not those around me. I planned everything far in advance, making meticulous schedules and giving 110%. I worked overtime to add the smallest details because they mattered to me. I tried to motivate and inspire those around me, because I truly wanted them to succeed. But even with class competitions, there came a point where we had done all we could, and coming to terms with that was much easier than expected, I think because I stopped trying to make other people happy at the expense of myself. This quote is valuable for others to come to a similar realization, and recognize that the most you can do is give your own best effort. Reflecting on that helps you prioritize doing things within your control, and preparing the best you can. It makes you more content in the long run.
To me, this quote embodies how my senior year has gone. Being class president added initial stress I wasn’t sure I could handle, but over time I learned how to balance it with everything else in my life. I grew in confidence as I realized I could only control my own actions, and not the reactions of others. I knew what standards I held myself to, and so I did everything I could to make myself proud, not those around me. I planned everything far in advance, making meticulous schedules and giving 110%. I worked overtime to add the smallest details because they mattered to me. I tried to motivate and inspire those around me, because I truly wanted them to succeed. But even with class competitions, there came a point where we had done all we could, and coming to terms with that was much easier than expected, I think because I stopped trying to make other people happy at the expense of myself. This quote is valuable for others to come to a similar realization, and recognize that the most you can do is give your own best effort. Reflecting on that helps you prioritize doing things within your control, and preparing the best you can. It makes you more content in the long run.
Page 4 - Goals
Leadership
Short Term Life
Long Term Life
- To maintain relationships - I always try to be on good terms with everyone, not only to keep the peace, but also because I think it’s important for conflict resolution. I know I won’t be besties with everyone in the program, or even a majority, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be civil with each other. I want to make sure I step out of my inner circle of friends and make connections with everyone, to have those bonds to fall back onto.
- Not hold onto the past - I used to be a grudge holder as a kid, and I want to make sure I move past that. Holding onto the past isn’t healthy, and if it's not helpful, then it’s just harmful. There is value in remembering the past, but to hold onto it and make it my motivation for present actions is a toxic mindset I want to make sure I stay away from.
Short Term Life
- Get into a good college - It’s senior year, and that means college applications. I’ve already started them, but the idea is so daunting. I’m planning out my future right now, and because of that, I hope I get into a good college. What constitutes a good college is somewhere I’ll succeed academically, with an environment that I find pleasing to look at or be around. While the college I go to isn’t everything, it will be an indicator of my future in life.
- Make the most of my senior year - I get too focused on my academics or Leadership events sometimes, and generally forget to take care of myself or live my life. I get hung up on the stress, and in the process of preparing for my future, sometimes I forget to live in the present. I really want to have good memories of my last year in high school, so I hope I remember to live my life this year, past all of the stress.
Long Term Life
- Feel like I didn’t settle - Whether it be with my spouse, my career, or other choices in life, I don’t ever want to feel like I settled. I don’t want to lose sight of myself, because I know that I’m capable and worthy of a lot. I know that I shouldn’t settle with any aspect of my life, because that wouldn’t be fair to me and the work I’ve put in. So I hope twenty years down the line, I look at my life and feel like I gave it my best shot.
- Be content in my career - Especially as I fill out college applications, my career is becoming more and more real to me. I want to make sure I can handle the workload and mental taxation. Almost more important is that I hope I don’t get bored of it. I know that I won’t look forward to work every day, but I hope I don’t dread going to my job. I feel like it would also be beneficial to constantly be learning from the people around me.
Page 5 - Goal Reflection
Leadership
Short Term Life
Long Term life
- To maintain relationships - Save for a few people, I do think I was good at making connections outside of my norm this year. I bonded with my class more, and especially the underclassmen. Part of the motivation was my role in the program, as I knew I had to set an example and be better about this than I have in the past. Especially as a senior in the class, I have no excuse to not be taking the initiative to know my peers better, and forming those connections was super beneficial to me.
- Not hold onto the past - I have definitely accomplished this goal. I think I’ve moved past the grudge-holding stage of my younger years because I realized that in the long run, a lot of things simply don’t matter as much as they seem to. I repeatedly said things were simply silly, or that they weren’t “cruc” (short for crucial), and it strengthened my mindset of actually believing that.
Short Term Life
- Get into a good college - Even if I got waitlisted at my unofficial top school, I did get accepted into a college I love. Getting into SDSU was one of the best outcomes of the college admissions process, because it has a campus I truly adore and a place I could see myself living. It’s not a horrible school for my major and I know that even if I’m scared now, it’s a great place to start the next part of my future if I can’t get off the waitlist at my other choice.
- Make the most of my senior year - While it might not have been what I envisioned for making the most out of my senior year, I think I have accomplished this goal. Constantly going to games and parties has never really been my scene, but taking time for myself always has. This year, I made the time to do things I actually enjoyed, and took the breaks I needed. In hindsight, I couldn’t have done anything better for myself, so I’m proud I made those choices. It allowed me to take a step back from the stress of the year and prioritize what really matters to me.
Long Term life
- Feel like I didn’t settle - This goal will be a while in the making, as I have many more years to go and decisions to make. So far though, I think I’m on track, partly because of the mindset I’ve adopted. Everything will happen for a reason, and I’ll always try to make the best out of any situation. Some things really aren’t that serious in the long run, and knowing my priorities will help me avoid settling.
- Be content in my career - This is also going to take some time to figure out, but I think the research into my future career this year has been very helpful. I always had a general idea of what this style of engineering would be like, but looking up actual companies and their purpose has really solidified that and made my future much more real. I’m nothing but excited to pursue my career, and that tells me I'm heading in the right direction. Even if it’s difficult getting there, my genuine interest in it will keep me going.
Page 6/7- Magazine Cover and Article
April Yan, senior at Ripon High, is hoping she’ll be on to bigger and better things after high school. Seeing as the college application process is well underway, we’ll soon find out just how different life for Yan will be. She finds that the process is “very nerve wracking,” and claims that it’s crazy to think that the next four years of her future could easily be determined by a choice she makes today.
In high school, Yan has spent her time doing a variety of things. She worked at a local smoothie bar, volunteered at the city library, joined whatever clubs took her fancy, and even played in the school band for a couple of years. However, when asked about the biggest impact made on her high school career, it was none of these that came to mind. Rather, it was the student government class that stuck with her. The class, formally an elective at Ripon High, is run by Activities Director, Jill Mortensen. “Even past the stress, and what we joke about as trauma,” Yan explained, “Leadership has been a good experience for me. It’s the class I share with my best friends, some of whom I never would’ve met without it. And while I do enjoy all of the event planning, decorating, and poster making, the class was more than that. It was instrumental in teaching me about myself as a person, and helped me grow my life skills.” |
Yan hopes to take these skills into her adult life, as she applies for college and leaves her home behind. She’s grown up with her class, some of them from as early as kindergarten, but she’s ready to leave the small town of Ripon. She remains excited for her future, despite knowing it’ll be a learning curve to live completely on her own. While she knows it’s impossible to stay in contact with everyone, Yan vows to put in that extra effort with the relationships close to her.
As she enters college, Yan wants to pursue engineering, and hopes she’ll be cut out for the job. “It’s a male-dominated field,” she quickly emphasized, “and that in itself already makes this a challenge.” Despite the numbers being against her, Yan is still holding out hope. She knows that as long as she continues to work hard and strive for success, being an engineer is a manageable goal. Yan is hoping to stay in California for college, for reasons that surprise even her. “While I have entertained the idea of moving across the country,” she laughed, “it’s probably best I stay close to home. The future is unpredictable, and I’d rather be safe than sorry.” Yan claims that if she was asked three years ago, she would’ve wanted to go as far away as possible. But her priorities have changed, and in staying nearby, she hopes to minimize the costs that come with the in-state tuition, travel expenses for the holidays, and any family emergencies that arise.
College applications are never fun to fill out, especially when thinking about the role it plays for the future. Yan’s biggest worry is that she won’t be content with her choices, but to push those worries away, she claims she’s “betting on herself.” A compliment once given to her, Yan has held onto the phrase since the moment she heard it.
While she has her work cut out for her, April Yan sure does sound like the name of an engineer.
As she enters college, Yan wants to pursue engineering, and hopes she’ll be cut out for the job. “It’s a male-dominated field,” she quickly emphasized, “and that in itself already makes this a challenge.” Despite the numbers being against her, Yan is still holding out hope. She knows that as long as she continues to work hard and strive for success, being an engineer is a manageable goal. Yan is hoping to stay in California for college, for reasons that surprise even her. “While I have entertained the idea of moving across the country,” she laughed, “it’s probably best I stay close to home. The future is unpredictable, and I’d rather be safe than sorry.” Yan claims that if she was asked three years ago, she would’ve wanted to go as far away as possible. But her priorities have changed, and in staying nearby, she hopes to minimize the costs that come with the in-state tuition, travel expenses for the holidays, and any family emergencies that arise.
College applications are never fun to fill out, especially when thinking about the role it plays for the future. Yan’s biggest worry is that she won’t be content with her choices, but to push those worries away, she claims she’s “betting on herself.” A compliment once given to her, Yan has held onto the phrase since the moment she heard it.
While she has her work cut out for her, April Yan sure does sound like the name of an engineer.
Page 8 - Role Model
My mom has always been a role model in my life. We don’t always see eye to eye, as is common in mother-daughter relationships, but she’s someone I look up to. She manages money well, puts her kids first, and is always trying to make us better people. I know she will always have our best interests at heart, even when we get in trouble. Especially with her job as a teacher, I’m amazed at how patient she remains with the kids in her class. Then she comes home to face an even harder role: being a mom. Despite all our differences, I look up to my mom for her resilience, her strength, her patience, and her love. She’s the glue that holds our family together, and I’m so grateful I had someone like her to raise me into the person I am today. She taught me how to problem solve, be independent, and treat others with respect. Those are skills that you can’t just learn quickly; they’re built over time, with nurture and consistency. Some people don’t have the luxury of a good mom in their life, let alone a mom at all, and I’m so thankful that I did.
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Page 9 - Inner Animal
I think my personality is similar to a koala’s, because while we’re opposites in some aspects, we overlap a good amount. For one, I do love when I can get a good night’s sleep…or multiple naps. I’m not koala-lazy, but sleep is something I’m always trying to get more of. I will admit, it’s my own bad habits of reading too late or watching a movie that eat up my sleeping time. However, it just makes it that much sweeter when I do actually get to sleep. Like a koala, I can also be a bit on the quiet side. Even though I’ve come out of my shell since childhood, I still prefer to watch and observe rather than jump straight into conversation. I generally feel too awkward to just randomly talk to people. The only exception is when I’m comfortable with the people around, or in a situation where I need to make connections very quickly. I would like to think I’m friendly like a koala as well, and very caring toward my loved ones. I’m protective of them, and take any offense against them personally. While I don’t consider myself to be as territorial or aggressive, I would definitely go to the ends of the earth for the people I love.
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Page 11- Song Representing Me
Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
I am unwritten Can't read my mind I'm undefined I'm just beginning The pen's in my hand Ending unplanned Staring at the blank page before you Open up the dirty window Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find Reaching for something in the distance So close you can almost taste it Release your inhibitions Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in No one else, no one else Can speak the words on your lips Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins The rest is still unwritten Oh, oh, oh I break tradition Sometimes my tries are outside the lines We've been conditioned to not make mistakes But I can't live that way Staring at the blank page before you Open up the dirty window Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find Reaching for something in the distance So close you can almost taste it Release your inhibitions Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in No one else, no one else Can speak the words on your lips Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in No one else, no one else Can speak the words on your lips Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins The rest is still unwritten Staring at the blank page before you Open up the dirty window Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find Reaching for something in the distance So close you can almost taste it Release your inhibitions Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in No one else, no one else Can speak the words on your lips Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in No one else, no one else Can speak the words on your lips Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins The rest is still unwritten The rest is still unwritten The rest is still unwritten Oh, yeah, yeah |
I grew up hearing this on the car ride to school, and I’ve definitely formed an emotional connection to the song because of it. Regardless, I still think this song is important because it references one of the most important parts of life: living for yourself. Life is too short to not do the things that make you happy, and that’s something I’m still learning to apply in my own life. I’ve gotten better at balancing work and play, but I still have moments where one heavily outweighs the other. I also connect with the song because it emphasizes the idea of you choosing your own future. I like to think in that same way, because it motivates me to continue working hard in the present, knowing it’ll pay off in the end. I find it’s also valuable to remember that you have a whole life waiting at your fingertips, and that future is up to you and what you choose to do with your opportunities.
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Page 13 - Being a Member of Leadership
Actually going to Core Camp was one of my favorite memories this year. It was the point of lowest stress and the highest bonds. Even though I felt like we were sitting in seminar-style meetings all day, I enjoyed the downtime in between. Mealtimes were my favorite time of day, because it was just so carefree and filled with laughter. The trip to the beach was extra fun, and I wish we could go back, even just for a moment. Some of my other favorite memories have occurred right in Morty’s office. Talking with Gracie, Bri, Elias, Devin, and anyone else who happens to stick around, has brought me so much joy. It’s a time where I don’t have to worry about anything other than listening to the people in the room. I know that when I walk into that office during lunch or after class, I’ll be entertained beyond belief, and I love the comfort it brings. And surprising as it may be, Homecoming has also made the cut of my favorite memories of the year. Despite the stress that came with the week, and everything leading up to it, I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I spent so much time with my officers, whether it was doing decorations or having impromptu sleepovers. The hours we spent together brought us that much closer together, and I’m so lucky to call these girls some of my best friends.
Page 14 - Peer Reflection
When I think about someone in the program who’s kind, giving, and loving, I think of Elias. He’s always trying to help, both inside and outside of his class. Through many of our conversations, I know that he’s just itching to have more responsibility. He wants to do more and be in charge of more, and I think that’s a great trait to have, especially in a class like this. I feel like he jumps on the opportunity to help, even when it comes to other classes. He’s the type of guy to offer to carry something for you, or offer to do a tedious task, and he’s one of the few people that actually takes the time to ask and listen to see if others are okay. He’s done it with me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he does that with everyone else in his life. The heart and genuine nature that he has is something I really admire and adore him for.
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Page 16 - What I Love to Do
Some of my favorite things to do are play the piano, read, and spend time with my friends. Playing the piano is something that once brought me stress, and has now turned into a way I destress. I think I prefer playing for fun rather than taking lessons, probably because I can play on my own time. I also like playing with my friends or my sister because I think it’s a fun little bonding experience. Reading is another thing I love to do, because I love all the adventures they let me experience. It’s so easy for me to get lost in a book, and most of the time it’s the leading cause of my lack of sleep. I enjoy it because it’s how I escape from the world, and my favorite way to spend my time alone. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy spending time with others. Hanging out with my friends is another one of my favorite things to do. We just get along very well, and I trust them with my life. Whether it’s going out to get boba or coffee, running errands together, or jumping in the pool over and over again, I love spending time with them. I admire each of my friends for different things, and being in their company is something that brings me joy. While it's chaotic most of the time, I also enjoy that my friends bring me peace.
Page 17 - Letter to Parents
Dear Mom and Dad,
I can’t believe we’re already at this point in my life. Half of my second semester of senior year is gone, and the last few months are going to go by even quicker. When the Fall of 2023 rolls around, I’ll be out of the house and off to college. While I can’t wait to leave, I know part of me wants to stay home and be your kid forever. I don’t want to grow up, but I know it has to happen eventually. Because of that, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done, because every single decision you made has determined what type of person I’m going to be. What type of person I am. And while I’m pretty scared, I know I’ll be fine because you’ve raised me to be self-sufficient, unimaginably ambitious, and considerate. I’ve learned that the world does not favor people like me, but that I can make it work as long as I’m willing to work for it. And boy, I am. I have huge hopes and dreams, and every single one of them has only been made possible through your sacrifices. Every argument we’ve had, every shopping trip, vacation, etc. has only made me a better person in the long run. Every time you gave up your house for Leadership planning or your evening to drive me places has not gone to waste. It has molded into the young woman I am today, and I'm so thankful for it. Sure, a lot of people contributed to the April I am now, but it started with you two. And I’m grateful that you’ve been there every step of the way.
Yours Truly,
April
I can’t believe we’re already at this point in my life. Half of my second semester of senior year is gone, and the last few months are going to go by even quicker. When the Fall of 2023 rolls around, I’ll be out of the house and off to college. While I can’t wait to leave, I know part of me wants to stay home and be your kid forever. I don’t want to grow up, but I know it has to happen eventually. Because of that, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done, because every single decision you made has determined what type of person I’m going to be. What type of person I am. And while I’m pretty scared, I know I’ll be fine because you’ve raised me to be self-sufficient, unimaginably ambitious, and considerate. I’ve learned that the world does not favor people like me, but that I can make it work as long as I’m willing to work for it. And boy, I am. I have huge hopes and dreams, and every single one of them has only been made possible through your sacrifices. Every argument we’ve had, every shopping trip, vacation, etc. has only made me a better person in the long run. Every time you gave up your house for Leadership planning or your evening to drive me places has not gone to waste. It has molded into the young woman I am today, and I'm so thankful for it. Sure, a lot of people contributed to the April I am now, but it started with you two. And I’m grateful that you’ve been there every step of the way.
Yours Truly,
April
Page 18 - The Letter
To the next Senior Class President,
You’re in for a treat. This year will me a lot, but how you handle it just depends on how hard you’re willing to work, how much you want to succeed, and what you’re going to do in your free time. While I still had some time, and I’m sure you’ll have plenty, your free time will take a nose dive here and there. As long as you’re willing to adapt, you should be okay on that front.
When it comes to events, whatever you do, don’t try to do it all yourself. You need to trust your officers to shoulder some of the workload, and that was something I struggled with. I know it’s easier said than done to trust people with something you hold to a high standard, but you have to be willing to make that jump. I would also try to involve your class more than we did, and hold meetings with them when events like Homecoming and Winterfest come around. All we ever did was google forms, and the responses were alright, but those class meetings could be really helpful for you to take it to the next level in the future.
I would start thinking about the senior gift immediately, and introduce yourself to the Senior Advisor. Morty already knows you, but the other advisor might not, and that would be a good basis for your relationship with them. Also be prepared for Morty to continuously throw fun little projects at you, as she did for me this year. Some will be related to your job, and others will be the oddest things of your life, but the memories are always great. Expect a lot more participation from your class, as it is senior year. People will care a lot more about what happens, but they’re also willing to do more this year, and you should utilize that! It’s overall a very fun year, but it’s not without struggles. You’ll see Morty a lot, and I mean a lot, more than you ever did. You’ll practically live in her office as I did this year, because you have to communicate with her so much.
Just know that whatever happens, you’ll do amazingly as long as you’re willing to work for it.
Yours Truly,
April Yan
You’re in for a treat. This year will me a lot, but how you handle it just depends on how hard you’re willing to work, how much you want to succeed, and what you’re going to do in your free time. While I still had some time, and I’m sure you’ll have plenty, your free time will take a nose dive here and there. As long as you’re willing to adapt, you should be okay on that front.
When it comes to events, whatever you do, don’t try to do it all yourself. You need to trust your officers to shoulder some of the workload, and that was something I struggled with. I know it’s easier said than done to trust people with something you hold to a high standard, but you have to be willing to make that jump. I would also try to involve your class more than we did, and hold meetings with them when events like Homecoming and Winterfest come around. All we ever did was google forms, and the responses were alright, but those class meetings could be really helpful for you to take it to the next level in the future.
I would start thinking about the senior gift immediately, and introduce yourself to the Senior Advisor. Morty already knows you, but the other advisor might not, and that would be a good basis for your relationship with them. Also be prepared for Morty to continuously throw fun little projects at you, as she did for me this year. Some will be related to your job, and others will be the oddest things of your life, but the memories are always great. Expect a lot more participation from your class, as it is senior year. People will care a lot more about what happens, but they’re also willing to do more this year, and you should utilize that! It’s overall a very fun year, but it’s not without struggles. You’ll see Morty a lot, and I mean a lot, more than you ever did. You’ll practically live in her office as I did this year, because you have to communicate with her so much.
Just know that whatever happens, you’ll do amazingly as long as you’re willing to work for it.
Yours Truly,
April Yan
Page 19 - Do's and Don'ts
DO:
DON’T
- Fill out procedure forms as events happen
- Utilize your commissioners
- Involve your class outside of Leadership
- Make a lot of social media posts
- Have a backup plan
- Maintain open lines of communication
DON’T
- Procrastinate, especially with POs
- Assume everything will go as planned
- Do everything yourself
- Blame others, especially not for your own actions
- Wait to ask for help
- Lie or mislead your team
Page 20 - Contact List
Kerry
IZA Design Contact
[email protected]
Jorge
Trailer Contact
[email protected]
Mike
Savemart Manager & Shopping Cart Contact
(209) 599 - 3355
Jandy
RHS Cafeteria Contact
[email protected]
IZA Design Contact
[email protected]
Jorge
Trailer Contact
[email protected]
Mike
Savemart Manager & Shopping Cart Contact
(209) 599 - 3355
Jandy
RHS Cafeteria Contact
[email protected]
Page 21 - The Professional
One of the biggest things we do to prepare for the outside world is our public speaking unit, as it has real-life applications no matter what job sector you plan to enter. Furthering public speaking skills just makes you a better communicator in all areas of life, which is why I’m so grateful we do it. We pick our speech topics at the end of the first semester, and have a couple of months to write them. Most people put it on the back burner until second semester, but I find it’s really helpful to just write it before you leave for break and edit it when you get back. Then we spend the first couple of months giving our speeches for a grade. The feedback is helpful to further improve your skills. Another thing we do is talk about and write cover letters, and this year we had Mr. Hobbs come in and talk about it. Having a guest speaker was a nice change of pace, and he made it very clear that he was a no-nonsense type of guy. He has so much experience in the world that his advice was golden, and his constructive criticism helps us to become better professionals.
Page 22 - Change
On a personal level, I think I’ve grown a lot this year. Part of it was forcibly through the position I hold, but it was a change that came about nonetheless. I’ve learned to be more confident, set better boundaries, and hold people accountable for their actions against others and myself. On the flip side, I think I still do a good job of maintaining my humanity, as I try to be understanding of the other things in the lives of my peers, and not unnecessarily harsh in feedback. However, I can be a little blunt with people sometimes when they’ve disappointed me or dropped the ball, and it directly correlates with my trust and delegation issues. It’s frustrating to continually give people chances if they’ve previously proven they won’t fulfill their responsibilities to my standards. A change for the future class could be to work on our judgment of others. The classroom environment can get toxic sometimes, and people always add fuel to the fire. If we could just stop gossiping sometimes and focus on supporting each other through competitions like Homecoming, I think the atmosphere would become healthier.
Page 23 - The Ideal Leader
An ideal leader is someone who knows their priorities and balances their life. They must remember that while they shouldn't be selfish, they need to take care of themselves before they can help or lead others effectively. They follow through on their promises, staying on schedule and on task. They have to have thick skin and be willing to face criticism, especially because it won’t always be constructive. They must be able to keep personal and professional lives separate, and be aware of the people around them. Especially for a student in the program, an ideal leader knows how to work well with others, because no event can be accomplished without collaboration. They should know how to delegate and be willing to do any job they ask of others, and do their best to balance the efforts of their team. This means they should be a listener before a speaker, and be patient and flexible with what they have to work with. When it comes to events, they should help set up and clean up, and communicate throughout the whole process if anything goes wrong. They stay organized both in and outside of the classroom, and should take special care to maintain such habits in their academic life. Being a leader means being a role model, and setting an example of the standard you hold people to. A leader is only trustworthy when they can follow through on the same expectations they hold of others, and must always be checking themselves. They have to hold themselves accountable, and not blame others for their mistakes.
Projects
Procedure Form
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1st Quarter Evals
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3rd Quarter Eval
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POs (White and Purple)
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Class Budget
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ASB Report
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Minutes
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Social Media Post
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